The Psychology of

Addiction
Dependency psychology explores the complex dynamics of addiction in relationships. This presentation
examines the differences between habits and addictions, various types of dependencies, and the psychological
factors that contribute to addictive behaviors. We'll explore how emotions, brain chemistry, and social
connections play crucial roles in the development and treatment of addictions.

Dr. Asli Dila Akis

Habits vs. Addictions
Habits Addictions Key Differences
- Difficult to change routines - Associated with loss of - Severity of impact on life
- Not associated with identity identity or self - Presence of withdrawal
loss - Cause significant distress symptoms
- Can be good or bad when unavailable - Degree of control over
- May cause discomfort when - Always harmful to the behavior
individual - Potential for harm
broken
- Involve loss of control and
denial
Signs of Addiction
1 Discomfort and Withdrawal 2 Loss of Control
Experiencing significant distress and physiological Inability to control the addictive behavior despite
reactions like sweating when the addictive substance awareness of potential harm.
or behavior is unavailable.

3 Continued Use Despite Harm 4 Denial and Concealment

Persisting with the addiction even when it causes Efforts to hide or deny the addiction, often making
clear damage to one's life or health. excuses for symptoms or behaviors.
Types of Addictions
Substance Addictions
Alcohol, drugs, and other chemical dependencies that alter brain chemistry.

Behavioral Addictions
Compulsive behaviors like gambling, social media use, shopping, or gaming.

Relationship Addictions
Unhealthy dependence on others for emotional regulation or self-worth.

Unusual Addictions
Rare compulsions like staring at specific colors or eating non-food items.
Emotions and Addiction
1 Internal Tension
Experiencing emotions like anxiety, impulsivity, loneliness, or anger creates internal tension.

2 External Soothing
Unable to self-regulate, individuals seek external sources to alleviate these feelings.

3 Dependency Development
Repeated use of external soothing leads to reliance and eventual addiction.

4 Self-Medication
The addictive behavior becomes a quick, albeit harmful, solution to emotional discomfort.
Emotion Regulation and Addiction
Regulation Problem
Difficulty in managing and regulating emotions effectively.

Addiction Cycle
Inability to regulate leads to addiction, which further impairs regulation abilities.

Treatment Goal
Developing skills to manage emotions using internal resources without external dependencies.

Skill Building
Learning to identify, accept, and cope with emotions like loneliness without relying on addictive
behaviors.
Why Addiction Treatment is
Challenging
1 Evolutionary Predisposition
We are naturally inclined to repeat behaviors that make us feel good, which can reinforce addictive patterns.

2 Initial Relief
Addictive substances or behaviors often provide immediate relief from uncomfortable emotions or
situations.

3 Tolerance Development
Over time, the brain requires more of the addictive stimulus to achieve the same effect, leading to
escalation.

4 Neurochemical Changes
Addiction alters brain chemistry, making it difficult to find pleasure in normal activities without the addictive
stimulus.
The Paradox of Addiction: Wanting Without Liking

Initial Pleasure
At first, the addictive behavior or substance provides enjoyment and relief.

Shift in Experience
Over time, the pleasure diminishes, but the craving or "wanting" remains strong.

Compulsive Behavior
The individual continues the addictive behavior despite no longer enjoying
it, often to avoid withdrawal or discomfort.

Neurochemical Explanation
This paradox is rooted in changes to the brain's reward system, particularly
involving dopamine pathways.
The Role of Dopamine in Addiction
1 Motivation Chemical
Dopamine is crucial for motivation and reward-seeking behavior, essential for survival.

2 Reward Anticipation
Dopamine levels increase not just with rewards, but with the expectation
of rewards.

3 Addiction's Impact
Addictive behaviors cause unnaturally high dopamine spikes, leading to tolerance and altered reward perception.

4 Pleasure-Seeking Loop
The brain becomes wired to seek the addictive stimulus, even when it no longer provides pleasure.
Dopamine Imbalance in Addiction
Overstimulation
Excessive dopamine release from addictive behaviors leads to receptor desensitization.

Tolerance Development
The brain requires more of the addictive stimulus to achieve the same dopamine effect.

Anhedonia
Normal activities no longer provide satisfaction due to altered dopamine sensitivity.

Compulsive Seeking
The brain drives behavior to restore dopamine levels, perpetuating the addiction cycle.
The Power of Quick Rewards in
Addiction
Rapid Onset
Substances or behaviors that quickly produce positive feelings have higher addiction potential.

Immediate Gratification
The brain naturally prefers fast, intense rewards over delayed gratification.

Reinforcement
Quick rewards strengthen the neural pathways associated with the addictive behavior.

Coping Mechanism
Fast-acting rewards become go-to solutions for emotional discomfort, reinforcing dependency.
The Marshmallow Test and Addiction
Susceptibility
The Experiment Long-Term Findings Implications

Children were offered one Children who couldn't resist The ability to delay
marshmallow now or two if immediate gratification showed gratification may be a
they could wait. This test higher rates of addiction, protective factor against
measured delayed gratification obesity, and lower academic addiction and other impulsive
ability. achievement in adulthood. behaviors later in life.
Factors Influencing Addiction
Susceptibility
Genetic Factors Environmental Substance-
Factors Specific Factors

Hereditary Upbringing and Potency and

predisposition family dynamics addictive
potential
Genetic patterns Exposure to Method of
in certain stress and trauma administration
addictions
Variations in Social and Availability and
brain chemistry cultural accessibility
influences
The Rat Park Experiment: Environment's Role in
Addiction
1 Isolated Rats
When placed alone in cages, rats consistently chose drug-laced water over regular water.

2 Social Environment
When placed together, rats showed decreased interest in the drug-laced water.

3 Rat Park
In a stimulating environment with social interaction, almost no rats became addicted to the drugs offered.

4 Implications
The experiment suggests that environment and social connections play crucial roles in addiction susceptibility
and recovery.
Reasons for Drug Use (Part 1)
1 1. Coping Mechanism 2 2. Emotional Regulation
Some individuals use drugs to cope Drugs can alter mood and emotional
with stress, anxiety, or other negative states. Individuals may use substances
emotions. This can lead to a to enhance positive emotions or to
temporary escape from unpleasant numb negative ones.
feelings.

3 3. Physical Changes 4 4. Boredom and Depression

Drugs can impact physical functions Drugs can provide a temporary
like appetite, sleep patterns, and distraction from boredom or feelings
energy levels. Individuals may use of depression. Individuals may turn to
substances to alter these bodily substances to fill a void in their lives.
processes.
Reasons for Drug Use (Part 2)
Social Reasons Psychological Reasons

Drugs are often used as a symbol of Drugs can be used to manage stress,
rebellion against societal norms. anxiety, or depression. They can
Individuals may use drugs to fit in temporarily alleviate emotional pain,
with peers, enhance social reduce inhibitions, or provide a sense
interactions, or achieve a sense of of euphoria. Some people use drugs
belonging. Some drugs are associated to escape from difficult realities or to
with specific social activities, such as cope with trauma.
sports or nightlife.
Substance Abuse / Misuse

Health Problems Work Issues Relationship Problems Legal Consequences

Drug misuse can lead to various Drug use can affect job Drug abuse can strain Drug use can result in legal
health issues, including performance, attendance, and relationships with family, friends, charges, arrests, and potential
addiction, organ damage, and even lead to job loss. and partners. incarceration.
mental health complications.

Substance abuse, also known as drug misuse, occurs when someone uses a drug in a way that's not intended or prescribed. This can involve taking
a drug more frequently or in larger quantities than recommended, or using it for reasons other than its intended purpose.
Substance Abuse / Misuse
Improper Combination
Combining drugs can lead to dangerous and even deadly side effects.
For example, mixing alcohol with tranquilizers can suppress the
nervous system, potentially causing respiratory failure.

No Addiction Needed
Substance use can become problematic even if you're not addicted
or an alcoholic. Engaging in substance use in ways that cause harm
to yourself or others can be considered misuse.
Withdrawal Process
1 Symptoms Appear
When drug use is stopped, psychological or physiological symptoms, known as withdrawal symptoms, manifest. These
symptoms vary depending on the drug and individual.

2 Relief or Avoidance
To alleviate or avoid withdrawal symptoms, individuals may turn to using a closely related substance, even if it's not
the original drug.

3 Cycle of Dependence
The withdrawal process is a vicious cycle. Drug use initially offers relief, but the body quickly builds a tolerance, leading to
a need for increased doses and a heightened risk of withdrawal.
Craving

Intense Urge Overcoming Cravings Seeking Help

Craving is a powerful drive to use a Cravings can be intense, but they are If you are struggling with cravings,
substance. It is a common experience not insurmountable. It's important to seeking support from a healthcare
among those with substance remember that it's possible to get past professional can help you manage
dependence. them and regain control. them and find ways to cope.
DSM IV - Substance
Dependence Criteria (Part 1)
Tolerance
Tolerance occurs when a person needs more of a substance to achieve the desired
effect or experiences a diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.

Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops using a substance, and these
symptoms can be physical or psychological.

Amount/Duration
Substance dependence is characterized by using the substance in larger amounts
or for a longer period than intended.
DSM IV - Substance Dependence Criteria
(Part 2)

Time Activities / Commitments Negative Consequences

A significant amount of time is spent Important social, occupational, or Substance use continues despite
obtaining, using, or recovering from the recreational activities are given up due persistent or recurrent physical or
effects of the substance. to substance use. psychological problems caused by it.
Practical Definition of Addiction
Control Compulsion Consequences

Individuals with substance There is a compelling urge to use the Substance use persists despite
dependence often struggle to cut substance. This urge can be driven by significant negative consequences,
back or control their use. They may tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or such as health problems, relationship
experience periods of abstinence, psychological dependence, creating a issues, or legal trouble. The individual
followed by episodes of uncontrolled sense of need. continues to use even when the harm
use. outweighs the benefits.
Substance Use Disorders
Trends in Annual Prevalence Use
The image displays the annual prevalence of drug use for
2002-2020. While the prevalence of illicit drug use has
steadily increased, the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco
use has decreased. The prevalence of marijuana use has
fluctuated over the years, but it has remained relatively
stable. The graph shows trends in drug use, but not the full
extent of use.
Age of Onset
1 1. Normative Behavior 2 2. Critical Risk Factor
A certain amount of substance use during adolescence is The age of first use is a significant risk factor for developing
considered typical. substance use disorders.

3 3. Delayed Onset 4 4. Early Use

For every year that the onset of drinking is delayed, the Alcohol use before age 14 strongly predicts subsequent
odds of developing alcohol dependence decrease by 9%. alcohol abuse or dependence.
Why Adolescents?
Adolescence is a time of significant risk for the development of substance use disorders. This is because adolescents are going
through many changes, including hormonal shifts, social pressures, and increased independence. These changes can make them
more vulnerable to experimentation with substances.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that about 1 in 10 teens have misused prescription drugs.

Adolescents are more likely to develop substance use disorders due to their developmental stage. They are more susceptible
to peer pressure and social influences, making them more vulnerable to experimentation and abuse.
Adolescents are still developing their brains and decision-making abilities, which makes them more prone to impulsive
behaviors and risky choices, including substance use.
Course of Substance Use

Typical Pattern
Substance use peaks around late adolescence and declines during young adulthood.

Influence on Behavior
Alcohol use often leads to engagement in other high-risk behaviors, including unsafe sexual activity, smoking, and
driving under the influence.

Dating Aggression
Girls who experience dating aggression are more likely to use alcohol compared to those in non-violent
relationships.
Risk Factors - Personal Factors
Lack of Attachment
A lack of attachment to healthy adults or mainstream culture can increase
susceptibility to drug use.

Genetics & Biology

Genetic predisposition, biological factors, and the effects of drugs themselves can
influence drug use.

Personal Characteristics
Individuals with high vulnerability to anxiety or depression, impulsivity, or other
personal characteristics may be more likely to engage in drug use.

Health & Mental Illness

Preexisting health conditions or mental illness can contribute to the development
of drug use disorders.
Risk Factors - External Factors
Social Environment Family Dynamics

Peers who use drugs can exert a strong influence, Family history of substance abuse increases an individual's
normalizing drug use and making it more accessible. risk due to genetic and environmental factors.

Exposure to drug-related content in media can create a false Lack of parental supervision and communication creates
sense of normalcy and glamorize drug use. opportunities for drug experimentation and can contribute
to substance abuse.
Functions of Addiction

Role and Identity

Addiction provides a sense of belonging and social connection. It can define a person's identity and social circles.

Escaping the Past

Addiction can be a way to cope with traumatic experiences or painful memories. It provides temporary relief and distraction.

Avoiding Responsibility
Addiction can allow individuals to escape obligations and avoid facing challenging situations. It can be a way to numb
emotional pain.

Withdrawal from Intimacy

Addiction can be a defense mechanism against emotional vulnerability and intimacy. It creates a barrier to close relationships.
Addiction to Other Experiences
Sex
Sex addiction is a compulsive sexual behaviour that can lead to serious consequences, such
as relationship problems, financial difficulties, and legal trouble.

Gambling
Gambling addiction is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative
consequences, such as financial ruin, relationship problems, and legal trouble.

Exercise
Exercise addiction is a disorder characterized by an obsessive compulsion to exercise, often to
the detriment of one's physical and mental health.

Pornography
Pornography addiction is a compulsive use of pornography that can lead to problems in
relationships, work, and social life.
The Process of
Dependency
The process of substance dependency is often gradual and can vary
depending on several factors, including the substance used, individual
vulnerabilities, and environmental influences.

While some individuals may experience a rapid progression to

dependence, others may develop it over time, starting with occasional use
that evolves into regular use and eventually becomes dependent.
Non-Users

Personal Choice Religious and Cultural Beliefs

Some individuals decide to abstain from substance use Membership in certain religious or cultural groups may
for personal health, social, or family reasons. This strongly discourage or prohibit substance use. These
reflects an intentional decision to prioritize well-being beliefs and values often influence personal choices
and avoid potential risks associated with drug use. regarding drug use.

Negative Experiences Unpleasant or Dangerous

Individuals who have witnessed the negative Some individuals may find substance use unpleasant
consequences of long-term substance abuse or or dangerous, leading them to abstain. This decision
addiction may choose to abstain from drug use might be based on personal experiences, observations,
altogether. This reflects a desire to avoid similar or a desire to avoid potential harm.
experiences.
Experimental Use
Definition Contributing Factors

Experimental use refers to the initial attempts of trying • Willingness to try

alcohol or other drugs. • Friends or acquaintances using drugs
• Sense of safety about the drug and setting
Experimental Use

Social Setting Internal Exploration Evaluating Returning to Non-

Preferences Use
Experimentation often Experimental use can
occurs in social settings, involve exploring personal After experimentation, If experimentation does not
where individuals are trying motivations and examining individuals analyze their yield positive results,
new experiences. the effects of a substance on experiences and decide individuals often revert to a
one's psyche. whether the substance non-use pattern.
aligns with their desires.
Risks of Experimental Use
Dosage Misjudgment Unforeseen Reactions
Experimenters may take too much due The consequences of drug use are often
to inexperience. They may not know unpredictable. This is especially true for
how much their body can handle. first-time users.

Unknown Substances Potential Overdose

Street drugs are often adulterated or Binge use, a common pattern among
contaminated, increasing the risk of teenagers, increases the risk of
adverse reactions. overdose.
Social Use

Social Setting
Using a substance in a social context, but not the main reason for the gathering.

No Priority
Using doesn't override other activities and experiences.

No Negative Impacts
Substance use doesn't harm any aspect of one's life.
Instrumental Use

Pleasure Seeking
Individuals may use substances to experience euphoria, altered states of consciousness, and reduced
inhibitions.

Avoiding Pain
Substances can be used to suppress negative emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger.

Physical Discomfort
People may use substances to alleviate physical discomfort, such as pain or fatigue.
Habitual Use
Regular Substance Use
Habitual use involves frequent substance consumption, often becoming a routine behavior.

Potential Problem Areas

Habitual use may lead to problems in relationships, work/school, health, finances, or legal
status.

Narrowed Social Circle

Social life often shrinks to include only other users and social functions centered around
substance use.

Choice Remains
At this stage, individuals are not considered dependent and still have some control over their
substance use.
Compulsive Use (Part 1)
Overwhelming Need Physical Dependence

Individuals with compulsive use experience an intense Physical dependence is a state where the body adapts to the
physical and psychological need to use the substance. They substance, requiring increasing doses to achieve the desired
are driven by uncontrollable urges to seek out and consume effect. This is known as tolerance.
the drug, regardless of negative consequences.
Compulsive Use (Part 1)

Psychological Dependence Lack of Control

An all-consuming focus on the drug, including getting it, The individual experiences no choice about using and feels
getting high, coming down, and finding more. This is due to no control over the amount consumed, despite the negative
changes in brain chemistry. consequences.
Binge Use
Refers to heavy drinking or drugging on a sporadic basis, with periods of little or no use in between.

1 1. Key Concept 2 2. Potential Consequences

Binge use can be as problematic as regular use. The Binge drinking is often associated with higher levels of
unpredictable nature of binge use can create a hostility and aggression, police altercations, domestic
destructive set of stressors for those involved in the violence, work problems, and hospital admissions, in
user's life. comparison to heavy, steady users.

3 3. Key Concept 4 4. Potential Consequences

Binge use can be as problematic as regular use. The Binge drinking is often associated with higher levels of
unpredictable nature of binge use can create a hostility and aggression, police altercations, domestic
destructive set of stressors for those involved in the violence, work problems, and hospital admissions, in
user's life. comparison to heavy, steady users.
The Importance of Social
Support in Addiction Prevention
Social Connections
Having a strong support network and trustworthy relationships reduces addiction risk.

Fulfillment and Creativity

Engaging in meaningful activities and creative pursuits can provide natural
rewards, reducing the need for addictive behaviors.

Higher Pleasures
Developing interests in art, philosophy, or spirituality can provide fulfillment
beyond basic sensory pleasures.

Avoiding Isolation
Combating loneliness and social isolation is crucial in preventing and
recovering from addiction.